Introduction to the study of politics, political culture, ideology, and government. Students will develop an understanding of the process of law-making in Canada. Areas in need of reform will be highlighted in order to encourage debate on important current themes. Discussions combined with readings will permit students to form informed opinions about government and politics.

Approaches the study of the governmental structures and institutions of contemporary Canada by considering social, political, and economic factors which have exercised significant influence on their development. Canadian government will be viewed in terms of its dynamic interaction with the broader political environment.

Political Science 120 provides an examination of Classical Liberalism, Post-War Liberalism, and Neo-Liberalism as well as Red Tory, Democratic Socialist and Marxist critiques of contemporary society and politics. The course combines the examination of both economic and political doctrines with a view to the understanding of contemporary Canadian and world politics

POSC 190: International Relations
(3 credits)

A study of aspects of global conflict and world politics. The course provides students with the background necessary for an understanding of sources of power, techniques of wielding influence and the formulation of foreign policy. The course typically examines international law, economic disparity, human rights and global ecology in the context of international political economy.

POSC 200: Introduction to Political Analysis (3 credits)

Introduction to various modes of political analysis, including classical perspectives, political economy and empirical political analysis.

POSC 210: Canadian Constitutional Politics (3 credits)

This course will survey Canada’s constitutional “odyssey” from 1763 to the present, with a strong emphasis on the post-Confederation period. More specifically, it will focus on the efforts to patriate the constitution in the post-World War II era and the political consequences of those efforts. We will examine the different perspectives on the constitution advocated by the various actors in the Canadian political process – governments, parties, and interest groups. Special attention will be paid to the changing terms of the debate as new actors — women, new Canadians, and aboriginal peoples — joined the constitutional conversation. Finally, we will assess where Canada now stands in relation to its constitutional “odyssey” and the most appropriate processes for constitutional reform.

POSC 230: Comparative Politics (3 credits)

An introduction to the basic structures, processes and policies of modern governments through an examination of foreign governments.

POSC 270: Introduction to Political Theory (3 credits)

Introduction to the activity of political theory and the history of political thought.

Note: POSC 270 is the same as PHIL 210. Although transferability may differ, credit cannot be obtained for both POSC 270 and PHIL 210 at UCFV.

POSC 290: International Organizations (formerly POSC 195) (3 credits)

This course examines the history and present status of international and regional governmental and non-governmental organizations which act in the international arena. Emphasis will be placed on organizations such as the United Nations, the European Community, OPEC, Amnesty International, and NATO, as well as multinational corporations.

POSC 310: Canadian Federalism (3 credits)

Prerequisites: POSC 110 or POSC 210

This course will examine the origin and development of federalism in Canada from 1867 to the present. It will focus on the difficulties of creating and managing a social welfare state in a federal political system. Particular attention will be paid to the challenge of dividing and sharing fiscal resources. Special attention will also be devoted to how the various mega-constitutional orientations present in Canada affect the operation of the federal political system. The course will conclude with an examination with the challenge of incorporating municipal and aboriginal governments into the federal system and the concomitant idea of multi-level governance. Finally, we shall examine the relationship between democracy and federalism.

POSC 311: History of Political Theory I: Plato to Luther (3 credits)  

History of Western political thought from Classical Greece through the Italian Renaissance. The course will focus on the writings of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, and Macchiavelli.

POSC 312: History of Political Theory II: Protestant Reformation to 1900 (3 credits) 

History of Western political thought from the Protestant Reformation through the 19th century. The course will focus on the writing of Luther, Calvin, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Bentham, Hegel, Marx, and Nietzsche.

POSC 320: Canadian Political Thought
(3 credits) 

Prerequisites: 45 credits from Arts, Science, or Applied programs, including two of POSC 110, POSC 120, POSC 190, POSC 230, POSC 270, POSC 290.

This course will introduce students to many of the major political ideas and theorists that have shaped the intellectual landscape of this country. it will introduce students to such ideas/theorists in an historical manner; the course will finish with a discussion of some of the major issues before us at the present time.

POSC 330: Human Rights: Theory and History (3 credits)

Prerequisites: Nine credits of Philosophy or Political Science, including one of the following: POSC 120, POSC 190,  POSC 270, POSC 290, PHIL 110, PHIL 210, PHIL 230.

The language of human rights is woven into the fabric of our culture, society, and political discourse. This course will examine different notions of rights and responsibilities, and the history of these ideas as they are embodied in various organizations and institutions.

POSC 335: Civil Liberties and the Charter in Canada (3 credits) 

Prerequisites: 45 credits from Arts, Science or Applied programs, including POSC 110.

A study of the relationship between the government and individual liberty in Canada. The focus is upon the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its  interpretation by our judiciary. Examination of the issues of equality before the law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, hate literature and obscenity. Consideration of the rights of incarcerated individuals and the rights of individuals designated as mentally disordered.

POSC 410: Intergovernmental Relations in Canada (3 credits)

Prerequisites: POSC 210 and POSC 310

This course will provide a detailed examination of the processes of intergovernmental relations in Canada. While the theory of federalism posits that there should be two orders of government each with their own sphere of jurisdiction, the practice of federalism in Canada entails considerable intergovernmental collaboration. Almost every policy sector has a federal–provincial interface, which for the most part is managed by a legion of civil servants. A central proposition of this course is that executive federalism is alive and well in Canada. We will evaluate the processes of executive federalism and to consider the ramifications of managing the federation through these processes.

POSC 481: Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (3 credits)

Prerequisites: 45 credits from Arts, Sciences, or Applied programs, including one of: POSC 311, POSC 312, PHIL 305, PHIL 310, PHIL 315.

The study of comparative politics is a key to understanding the nature of political systems. By engaging in a comparative analysis of these systems, students will acquire a more sophisticated and subtle understanding of political realities and political possibilities. This course builds on what is covered in lower-level courses and will consist of a detailed exploration of one or more topics in comparative politics.

POSC 482: Selected Topics in Canadian Politics (3 credits)

Prerequisites: 45 credits from Arts, Sciences, or Applied programs, including one of: POSC 311, POSC 312, PHIL 305, PHIL 310, PHIL 315.

The study of Canadian politics is a complex and detailed process. This course goes beyond what is covered in introductory courses and allows students to increase their knowledge through the advanced study of one or more topics in Canadian politics.

POSC 483: Selected Topics in International Relations (3 credits)

Prerequisites: 45 credits from Arts, Sciences, or Applied programs, including one of: POSC 311, POSC 312, PHIL 305, PHIL 310, PHIL 315.

The goal of the course is to increase students’ understanding of international relations through a detailed exploration of one or more topics in the area. The course provides the student with an opportunity to engage in an advanced study of international relations.

POSC 490: Directed Studies in Political Thought (3 credits)

Prerequisites: Twelve credits of Philosophy or Political Science, and written consent of both the faculty member and the department head.

This course offers the student the opportunity to pursue in depth independent study of a particular issue, problem or topic in the areas of political thought. The student must, in consultation with a faculty member, develop a detailed individual course proposal indicating the readings or other study to be undertaken and how the course work will be assessed.

POSC 491: Directed Studies in Politics (3 credits)

Prerequisites: Nine credits of Political Science, and written consent of both the faculty member and the department head.

This course offers students the opportunity to pursue in-depth independent study of a particular issue, problem, or topic in any area of politics. The student must, in consultation with a faculty member, develop a detailed individual course proposal indicating the readings or other study to be undertaken and how the course work will be assessed.